Finger Joints on Leigh 1600

[Cruzi]

Hi All,

Downloaded the tech bulletin on how to make finger joints with this jig without buying the template, which means you are limited to 1/4 inch finger joints only.

However on each board, I end up with alternating finger widths, 1/8 then 3/16, 1/8, 3/16 (approx)

Its not the spacer, because all fingers would be out by same distance, not this alternating nightmare I have now.......

What am I doing wrong?


http://www.cruzis-coins.com/tmp/fingers.jpg

[LGS]

Hi Cruzi,

Check the following;
1. Workpiece exactly the width proscribed in the manual for the joint you are making.
2 Ensure you are using an Imperial cutter, not metric, this will make a difference.
3. Check that the GBS is correctly mounted and set for best fit.

I have done a lot of these joints (1/4 and 1/8) and you do need to be spot on with setup.:)

Regards,

LGS

[Cruzi]

Thanks for reply, I thought the same when it happened on the first piece.

All the above was checked and still got the same results, 3 times.:doh:

The slightly wonky cut is from spiral upcut bit, might have to chase up a long straight cutter, also might fiddle a little with finger spacing today see if that fixes prob.

What has me perplexed is how it alternates widths, wrong sized spacers or bits would give an "even" error on each finger. Incorrect board width would (should) leave a partial finger on board, it has me stumped

[LGS]

Hi Cruzi,

Not wishing to tell you how to suck eggs, just doin' some brainstorming. It is indeed peculiar, but the reproducibility is pointing to something in the set up.
Is the piece you are using for test cuts perfectly straight, no bow? Is the workpiece flush with the end of the jig or are you estimating cut? Sounds like you have it flush.
Has this system worked for you before? Did you calibrate the ends of the jig as per the manual, so as to centre the cut. If not it may be that when you move the pin from 2 pins to 3 pins or even just cutting one or the other mode, you are getting the pattern you describe.
Maybe if you recalibrate, then do a full test cut with the workpiece flussh to the end and see what happens?

Regards,

LGS

[LGS]

Hi Cruzi,

Did you solve your problem? What was causing it?

Regards,

GLS

[Cruzi]

Completely given up on the finger joints (by this method anyway), went back to through dovetails.